A look at the Uni-T UT210E

[Martini]

I would have thought an accuracy of a few dozen mA was enough to troubleshoot a car.


EDIT : Milliamps!

[Kbird]

Okay Folks, I compiled a final version of the arduino code.  It's compatible with BOTH 0660 and 1106 chips!  As the code is, it will only work for the newer 1106 chip, you MUST uncomment and comment out certain lines for it to work with the older 0660 based models(notes in the code itself on how to do this).  Also remember to replace the calibration data from YOUR dump.  Otherwise you will have my calibration data.

You can copy/paste directly into IDE from here https://ghostbin.com/paste/6akt4

..or you can download the attached file. 

This file does just about every mod to the meter.  Simply comment/delete out what you don't want to use.

It would be good if someone could give it a once over for accuracy.

Thanks for the Update Jay , appreciate you adding the 0660 info too for User like me with the Older Chip.

I'll have to let other comments on the Code itself as I am no Arduino Programmer though.


KB

[Kbird]

How much precision is needed for automotive use?   At low currents it must be difficult to exclude the effect of the Earth's magnetic field.


that was my 1st thought too but I am not an expert on this stuff , so if someone can elaborate , that would be great....

[Kean]

Also remember to replace the calibration data from YOUR dump.  Otherwise you will have my calibration data.

Suggestion: change the code that set 0x56 and 0x57 as follows so that they copy direct from 0x50 & 0x51, rather than using hardcoded values.

//Dotless mode calibration data, copied from 0x50, 0x51
writeByte(I2C_ADDR, 0x56, readByte(I2C_ADDR, 0x50));
writeByte(I2C_ADDR, 0x57, readByte(I2C_ADDR, 0x51));

I wonder if any other bytes can be examined to determine the chipset to selectively run the 0660/1106 specific code?
I haven't yet opened up any of my 3 units to do this or see what chips I have... but soon!

[maginnovision]

I would have thought an accuracy of a few dozen amps was enough to troubleshoot a car.

Well, you learn something new everyday.

[jayjr1105]

Also remember to replace the calibration data from YOUR dump.  Otherwise you will have my calibration data.

Suggestion: change the code that set 0x56 and 0x57 as follows so that they copy direct from 0x50 & 0x51, rather than using hardcoded values.

//Dotless mode calibration data, copied from 0x50, 0x51
writeByte(I2C_ADDR, 0x56, readByte(I2C_ADDR, 0x50));
writeByte(I2C_ADDR, 0x57, readByte(I2C_ADDR, 0x51));

I wonder if any other bytes can be examined to determine the chipset to selectively run the 0660/1106 specific code?
I haven't yet opened up any of my 3 units to do this or see what chips I have... but soon!

I think people like to have their original dump as a backup. But otherwise, you may be on to something with the direct copy and chipset detection.  However, I think eeprom dump is identical from both chipsets (minus the calibration bits)

Don't solder to pin 55 (small SMD cap near chipset) btw.  Just probe it.  I lost 1 meter from it tearing the pad off.

Edit:  Now that I think of it, you should still get an original dump as log as you have the serial monitor window open. I'm not certain about this code working however...

//Dotless mode calibration data, copied from 0x50, 0x51
writeByte(I2C_ADDR, 0x56, readByte(I2C_ADDR, 0x50));
writeByte(I2C_ADDR, 0x57, readByte(I2C_ADDR, 0x51));

[Martini]

I would have thought an accuracy of a few dozen amps was enough to troubleshoot a car.

Well, you learn something new everyday.

Milliamps, I meant milliamps!

[jayjr1105]

Who knew?  My cheap UTL (UEI) UTLDM2 is also a 0660 chip!

Not much to mod, brought it from 6000 to 8000 count and extended backlight and auto power-off + disabled alarms.

A tiny bit harder as you have to solder to the legs of the eeprom chip itself.  Nothing too difficult...

[Ultrawipf]

Also did the eeprom mods to my ut210e.
6200 Counts works fine, the lower switch point must be changed too as mentioned before. Some interesting stuff in the datasheet.
0x14 -> 0x44
0x15 -> 0x02

I hoped to add Hz measurements to some functions, but this must be set using hardware links i think.
The most interesting thing is the ncv function. I added AC and DC mV measurements. The DC function is not very practical, but you can measure strong static fields. Very interesting.
0x9C -> 0x02 for AC mV ncv
0xAC -> 0x01 for DC mV ncv
The AC mV Function mentioned in the original post is awesome to locate cables and noise sources. Much better than the old 4 bar ncv function

You can add up to 4 measurements per function. But sadly not a Hz or Duty Cycle measurement directly via eeprom settings. If someone has any idea if it might be possible anyways let me know.

[jayjr1105]

Also did the eeprom mods to my ut210e.
6200 Counts works fine, the lower switch point must be changed too as mentioned before. Some interesting stuff in the datasheet.
0x14 -> 0x44
0x15 -> 0x02

I hoped to add Hz measurements to some functions, but this must be set using hardware links i think.
The most interesting thing is the ncv function. I added AC and DC mV measurements. The DC function is not very practical, but you can measure strong static fields. Very interesting.
0x9C -> 0x02 for AC mV ncv
0xAC -> 0x01 for DC mV ncv
The AC mV Function mentioned in the original post is awesome to locate cables and noise sources. Much better than the old 4 bar ncv function

You can add up to 4 measurements per function. But sadly not a Hz or Duty Cycle measurement directly via eeprom settings. If someone has any idea if it might be possible anyways let me know.

Which chipset do you have in your 210E?

[CustomEngineerer]

Is there a good way to tell which chipset you have if there are no markings on the chip?

[jayjr1105]

Is there a good way to tell which chipset you have if there are no markings on the chip?

Sometimes the markings are faint.  Shine a bright flashlight at an angle on it. 

If there truly aren't any, you can play it safe and flash the 0660 version.  There may be a way to compare the rest of the PCB and/or serial number to figure out version you have.  When did you buy it?  I haven't seen anything bought recently with the old chip.

[CustomEngineerer]

I got interested in these clamps a little over a year ago, and went ahead and bought one in either May or June of 2017. It was shortly after that that I started seeing posts about the new chipset, so its possible it could be either. I had bought it with the idea of hacking it for fun/learning, but never got around to opening it up until a few days ago. I had tried shining different lights at different angles, with and without magnification, with and without spit, but I just can't see any markings on the chip. It doesn't look rubbed/scratched off, I just don't see anything on it. I applied the non-chipset specific modifications with no issues, and was thinking maybe a way to tell would be to try to apply the chipset specific ones and see which worked, but wasn't sure if doing this could cause any issues (probably not, but figured better to ask before trying).

[jayjr1105]

I got interested in these clamps a little over a year ago, and went ahead and bought one in either May or June of 2017. It was shortly after that that I started seeing posts about the new chipset, so its possible it could be either. I had bought it with the idea of hacking it for fun/learning, but never got around to opening it up until a few days ago. I had tried shining different lights at different angles, with and without magnification, with and without spit, but I just can't see any markings on the chip. It doesn't look rubbed/scratched off, I just don't see anything on it. I applied the non-chipset specific modifications with no issues, and was thinking maybe a way to tell would be to try to apply the chipset specific ones and see which worked, but wasn't sure if doing this could cause any issues (probably not, but figured better to ask before trying).

It won't hurt to flash the mods for 10,000 counts but if you have the old chipset, it may break AC readings.  If it does, then flash the 0660 chipset mods instead.  See my ino file a few posts back.  I have both new and old mods baked into one ino file, you just have to uncomment and comment certain lines based on your model.

[CustomEngineerer]

After more thought I decided to just go ahead and try. I applied the DM1106 specific changes with no issues. I wasn't able to test that the 100A range goes up to 1000A, but I did test that it does go over 200A (I do realize this doesn't really tell anything other than the range did increase), and in all other ranges/measurements I do now have 9999 counts. So from what I've seen, that should mean that I do have the newer DM1106 chipset.

[stj]

no, both chips are 10,000 count, but the 0660 AC RMS calculations fail after about 7000 counts - the 1106 chip this was fixed/improved.
every function other than AC-volts can run at 10,000 on either chip.

[jayjr1105]

no, both chips are 10,000 count, but the 0660 AC RMS calculations fail after about 7000 counts - the 1106 chip this was fixed/improved.
every function other than AC-volts can run at 10,000 on either chip.

What if I have a meter that is the older chip but not TRMS, can I just jack it up to 10,000 count?

For example, this meter http://a.co/blshU3d

I've recently flashed it with some of the mods but stopped at 8000 count because of the AC readings bug, I didn't even realize it only affected TRMS AC readings.

[stj]

the 0660 is always true-rms, it's an internal function of the chip.

[jayjr1105]

the 0660 is always true-rms, it's an internal function of the chip.

Why would they advertise it as not being TRMS then?  Don't you need a secondary chip to do that?

[stj]

no, there are only 2 chips, the main one and the eeprom with the config.
and for clamp meters, one or 2 op-amps for the clamp.

[CustomEngineerer]

no, both chips are 10,000 count, but the 0660 AC RMS calculations fail after about 7000 counts - the 1106 chip this was fixed/improved.
every function other than AC-volts can run at 10,000 on either chip.

Cool, thanks for the clarification. No issues measuring 7.000 VAC - 9.999 VAC and 70.00 VAC - 99.99 VAC after applying the DM1106 specific mods with Jay's arduino file.

[Kbird]

no, both chips are 10,000 count, but the 0660 AC RMS calculations fail after about 7000 counts - the 1106 chip this was fixed/improved.
every function other than AC-volts can run at 10,000 on either chip.

What if I have a meter that is the older chip but not TRMS, can I just jack it up to 10,000 count?

For example, this meter http://a.co/blshU3d

I've recently flashed it with some of the mods but stopped at 8000 count because of the AC readings bug, I didn't even realize it only affected TRMS AC readings.

That Meter looks similar to the Uni-T 139C I have , which also has the 0660 Chip , I think you have probably done everything I already did but this is the Thread for that one and my .ino

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/uni-t-ut139c-lcd-biasing-(schematics-avail)/msg1165035/#msg1165035


PS what is the Voltage regulator you are using in some of you Pics ? or did you make it ?


KB

[jayjr1105]

no, both chips are 10,000 count, but the 0660 AC RMS calculations fail after about 7000 counts - the 1106 chip this was fixed/improved.
every function other than AC-volts can run at 10,000 on either chip.

What if I have a meter that is the older chip but not TRMS, can I just jack it up to 10,000 count?

For example, this meter http://a.co/blshU3d

I've recently flashed it with some of the mods but stopped at 8000 count because of the AC readings bug, I didn't even realize it only affected TRMS AC readings.

That Meter looks similar to the Uni-T 139C I have , which also has the 0660 Chip , I think you have probably done everything I already did but this is the Thread for that one and my .ino

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/uni-t-ut139c-lcd-biasing-(schematics-avail)/msg1165035/#msg1165035


PS what is the Voltage regulator you are using in some of you Pics ? or did you make it ?


KB

Funny I have a 139C on the way from China as well.  It was only a couple bucks plus $13 shipping.  I used the UT210E ino file on my UTL/UEI meter.  Just changed and removed mods that don't apply.

And yes, that is my homemade variable bench power supply.  I used this instructable from GreatScott! http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-your-own-Variable-Lab-Bench-Power-Supply/

He did a youtube video on it as well.  https://youtu.be/wI-KYRdmx-E

I used a different case obviously but mostly the same layout as his.

[Kbird]

Thanks Jay , I have been planning on making a Variable myself , been waiting for parts to arrive , so thanks for the link to your Build/Great Scott's build.

The Uni-T 139C was only a few bucks?  hopefully not Counterfeit , I think I paid about $35USD but that was a year ago at least..... wonder if they have the 1106 Chip too now?

I'll have to open my really old meter and see what Chip it has just for laughs....


KB.

PS what is the Voltage regulator you are using in some of you Pics ? or did you make it ?


KB

Funny I have a 139C on the way from China as well.  It was only a couple bucks plus $13 shipping.  I used the UT210E ino file on my UTL/UEI meter.  Just changed and removed mods that don't apply.

And yes, that is my homemade variable bench power supply.  I used this instructable from GreatScott! http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-your-own-Variable-Lab-Bench-Power-Supply/

He did a youtube video on it as well.  https://youtu.be/wI-KYRdmx-E

I used a different case obviously but mostly the same layout as his.


[/quote]

[Ultrawipf]

Which chipset do you have in your 210E?

The old DTM0660.